Billy the Kid, probably named Henry McCarty or alias William Bonney, was killed on July 14, 1881. The events that led to the incident started in 1878 when Billy’s rancher boss was murdered in a range war. Billy vowed revenge and targeted a Sheriff and Deputy who were in league with his boss’ rivals. He shot them and became the most wanted man in the West. Billy was on the lam until the Governor of New Mexico promised him a pardon if he testified against people involved in the range war. He gave himself up, but soon escaped because he distrusted the governor. He went on a killing spree, including a showdown with a gunman named Joe Grant. (According to legend, Billy rigged the fight by making sure there wasn’t a bullet in Grant’s chamber.) He was brought in by his friend Pat Garrett who was now working for the law. Billy escaped, killing two guards and Garrett was back on his trail. After three months, he tracked him down to a ranch belonging to a friend of Billy’s – Pete Maxwell. Sheriff Garrett was interrogating Maxwell in his darkened bedroom when Billy walked in. Billy had come by the house to get a midnight snack. He entered the room and saw a shadowy figure talking to Maxwell. Garrett whispered to Maxwell whether it was Billy and Maxwell affirmed his suspicion. Billy raised his gun, but Garrett fired first, hitting Billy twice and killing him on the spot.
https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/billy-the-kid-is-shot-to-death
https://www.history.com/news/billy-the-kid-death-theories
Billy the Kid
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